The study found that Samsung isn't even among the top 3 manufacturers but the 4th most sustainable OEM due to its failure to achieve carbon neutrality and its far-future net zero target of 2050 (via GreenSmartphones). The study accounted for several data points, including:
- Direct greenhouse gas emission increase/decrease over the past year
- Carbon neutrality
- Net zero target
- Plastic packaging reduction
- 100% renewable energy
- Proportion of waste recycled
- Recycling target
- Percentage of recycled materials
- Number of devices recycled
Samsung's not the worst, but it needs to catch up with the top dogs
Apple ranked 1st because it has achieved carbon neutrality and has a 2030 net zero target. The Cupertino-giant and Google have also achieved 100% renewable energy, while Samsung has not. And while Apple lowered its direct GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions by 9.96% compared to a year ago, Samsung's GHG emissions increased by 13% over the same time period.
Smartphone manufacturers trailing behind Samsung are Vivo, Huawei, Oppo, Alcatel, Motorola, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. The latter company ranked 11th and increased its GHG emissions by a whopping 162.67% over one year.
